Tampa Auto Accident Causes Thumb Amputation for Teen

Posted on Dec 22, 2012

During the first weekend of December, a mother and daughter, along with their family dogs, were traveling south on Interstate 75, near the I-275 split, when they were involved in a Tampa auto accident. The weekend car crash resulted in injuries for the daughter and a missing pet.

Angela Lawson, the driver involved in this single-car crash, said she saw a vehicle stopped on the interstate, which caused her to swerve left to avoid it. When she did that, her vehicle flipped over and crashed, shattering the back window and allowing one of the dogs to get out.

Witnesses and bystanders rescued the mom and daughter from the car and waited for the paramedics and the Florida Highway Patrol to arrive at the accident scene. Teenager Ciara Gutierrez, 14, was taken to Tampa General Hospital for medical care. She had to have her right thumb amputated, and she needs reconstructive surgery for her injuries. Her mother was informed that she could go home as early as next week; however, she is still in and out of pain.

As for Ciara, she just wants her missing puppy, Bella, to be found. The dog is described as a 4-year-old beagle-hound mix with a pink and black zebra collar that has her name and contact information on it. While one of the dogs stayed at the accident scene, they are still asking for the public’s help in finding the other dog, Bella, who disappeared during the crash.

ABC’s WFTS-TV is asking viewers to call their newsroom at (813) 354-2800 if you have seen the dog or know where the dog is.